Forty years on, Wimbledon’s Polka Theatre is undergoing an exciting new refurbishment. Miranda Jessop meets Artistic Director Peter Glanville...
When Polka first opened as a dedicated children’s theatre in 1979, it was completely unique and heralded the beginning of a whole new movement in creating work specifically for children. “It was started by Richard Gill whose vision was to create a special space that children could come to for a wonderful theatre experience and also where they could explore and be creative,” says Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive, Peter Glanville who has been at Polka for the last five years.
Although the vision for Polka remains the same since those early days, Peter explains why the actual productions themselves have changed enormously over the years. “Children’s theatre has grown in line with our improved understanding of child development and the importance of young people having the same qualitative artistic experiences that adults have. As the sector has grown, the possibilities of what theatre can be have also continued to grow. There is so much more immersive work today which is really exciting and the progressive nature of what we do is constantly evolving.”
Peter, who has been in children’s theatre almost his whole working life, tells me why he believes it is so important. “The world is an incredibly complex place and children have the right to have creative experiences that can help them to understand themselves better, make sense of the world and increase their empathy and understanding.”
It is for this reason that Polka tries to reach out to as many children as possible. “We work really hard to make sure that disadvantaged families and communities have the opportunity to share in these experiences too.”
With 90,000 visitors coming through the door each year whether as part of a family or a school group, it is time for a complete refurbishment, the first since the charity opened its doors in 1979. “We are redeveloping the entire building to create a space that really fits for the future, while at the same time making sure that it doesn’t lose its charm.”
The development also includes a new adventure theatre for under fives, a creative learning studio and a multisensory garden as well as a rehearsal studio, larger café and improved access facilities. Funding has been provided by Arts Council England, the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, London Borough of Merton and a wide range of trusts, foundations, local organisations and individuals. But they are not quite there yet; with £1 million still to raise, supporters are invited to help Polka reach its target by sponsoring part of the new building or becoming a Future Polka family or founder.
Although the theatre is currently closed for a year while the renovations take place, Polka is continuing to work with local schools and community groups and several special projects are planned. “As children won’t be able to come to us over the next year, we will be going out to them. We are also putting on a major exhibition celebrating 40 years of Polka which will open at Morden Hall Park in the summer before touring across local libraries. Another first for us is a partnership project with Merton Music Foundation where we are hoping to create several intergenerational community choirs.”
As for the grand reopening in summer 2020, Peter and his team are already busy developing a plethora of exciting ideas. “Our aim will always be to create stimulating work that is both innovative and diverse.”
Learning and participation will remain at the very heart of Polka and, with Peter at the helm, I cannot imagine that visitors, big or small, will be disappointed. “I want it to be a place that is just an extraordinary wonderland for every child; welcoming, playful, challenging and fun.”
Go to polkatheatre.com/futurepolka to help raise £1 million still needed; the theatre is closed until Summer 2020.
